Switching assembly for closing intake lines of an air intake device and intake device incorporating same

Abstract

A switching assembly ( 10 ) having closure elements such as switch valves ( 18 ), for example, for closing intake lines ( 24 b ) and an intake manifold ( 28 ) in which the switching assembly is installed. The switching assembly ( 10 ) advantageously is composed of assembly injection-molded valve modules including switch valves ( 18 ) and a frame ( 14 b ). Alternatively, the switch valves ( 18 ) may also be injection molded directly in place in the support component ( 17 ). Because it may be pre-assembled, the entire switching assembly ( 10 ) may be easily installed in the intake manifold. In addition, the switching assembly preferably has rotational axes ( 15 ) which lie at a right angle to the alignment of the valves. It is advantageous that each switch valve ( 18 ) has its own rotational axis, thereby avoiding additive tolerances. In this way a part is provided which is economical to produce and which satisfies the sealing requirements for the switching assembly.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An intake device for intake air of an internal combustion engine, said intake device comprising: 
       an intake manifold including intake lines of different lengths, wherein the intake lines lead to outlets of a cylinder head of the engine;  
       a switching assembly for closing at least a portion of said intake lines, the switch assembly being insertable into the intake manifold through an opening of the intake manifold, the switching assembly comprising,  
       a plurality of closure elements arranged in passages formed by frames for the closure elements, said closure elements being produced by molding in mold cavities defined at least partially by partial surfaces of the respective frames, and  
       a support member for accommodating a plurality of said frames, each frame having a passage for the intake air, the frames being adjacently arranged in the support member, and the passages corresponding to the intake lines, wherein each closure element includes a bearing shaft which is formed in one piece therewith and which defines an individual rotational axis for the respective closure element; and  
       an actuator for actuating the closure elements of the switching assembly using cranks.  
     
     
       2. The intake device according to  claim 1 , wherein the partial surfaces of the frame which define the mold cavities for the closure elements are partial surfaces of the passages. 
     
     
       3. The intake device according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure elements comprise switch valves. 
     
     
       4. The intake device according to  claim 1 , wherein the closure elements comprise rotary valves. 
     
     
       5. The intake device according  claim 1 , wherein the bearing shafts of the closure elements are disposed at an angle of essentially 90° relative to an imaginary axis extending parallel to the passages.